Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This pasta salad has plenty of fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese and a great dressing that brings it all together.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces small pasta shells, cooked
• 1 packet dry ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 medium ripe tomato, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse pasta until cool to touch. Mix all other ingredients with pasta to combine. Regrigerate a couple hours and serve.

Number of Servings: 8-10

Notes from the Cook: You can easily substitute low fat or fat free sour cream, mayonnaise and cheddar cheese and use turkey bacon to reduce fat and calories.